Developing agrifood corridors in Alberta is vital for growing the economy, creating jobs and ensuring food producers have better access to markets. By improving transportation infrastructure, these corridors help make Alberta's agricultural products more competitive globally, enhance supply chain efficiency and support rural development.
Alberta’s government is providing $1.8 million for a new road connection between Highway 873 and the JBS Food plant. Providing an alternative access to and from the JBS Food plant will improve safety and efficiency for thousands of County of Newell residents while also saving workers up to an hour and a half a day getting to and from the plant.
“JBS Foods Canada employs thousands of Brooks residents, helping grow the local economy, create jobs and strengthen communities. This investment will create a better road connection between the JBS Foods Plant to Highway 873, making the commute shorter and safer and cutting up to an hour and half off the time it takes workers at the plant to get to and from work so they can spend less time stuck in traffic and more time doing other things.”
“The City of Brooks and the County of Newell continue to grow and the recent announcement of the JBS Foods expansion has solidified this region’s position as a growing agrifood economic powerhouse. Sustaining this growth requires robust transportation infrastructure.”
“The County of Newell is pleased with the announcement of funding for Township Road 192 North and Highway 873. Completion of this project will improve safety and reduce travel times for staff and motorists accessing the JBS Foods Canada plant and other local businesses and residences in the area. We thank the Government of Alberta for recognizing the need for this project and the positive impact it will have for motorists and the local economy.”
A new road directly connecting to Highway 873 will make traffic flow more efficiently in this area while also improving safety and reducing the potential for collisions with larger commercial trucks. The project includes road construction and intersection improvements. Design has been completed, with a construction tender expected this spring.
“The new JBS road is important for the whole community and the safety of the workers at JBS Foods. These investments will foster stronger communities, create jobs and grow the local economy.”
“This access road will significantly improve the quality of life for our team members in Brooks in many ways, ranging from child care to transportation costs to safety. I want to personally thank our Premier, Danielle Smith, for her exceptional leadership and support to make this project a reality.”
The City of Brooks and the surrounding area continue to grow and diversify with the expansion of JBS Foods Canada Inc. The facility, which employs about 3,200 people, announced a $90-million expansion of its storage and distribution facilities in June 2024. The meat processing plant is one of the largest beef processing plants in Canada and has been in operation for the last 50 years, most recently under the ownership of JBS Foods Canada Inc. (since 2013).
Quick facts
- The County of Newell will receive a total of $1.8 million:
- $1.2 million in Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program (STIP) funding for local road improvements
- $600,000 to deliver the improvement on the provincial intersection at Highway 873 for Transportation and Economic Corridors (TEC)
- The County of Newell will deliver the project.
- Design has been completed. Construction is anticipated to get underway in this spring and be completed by fall 2025.
- About 8,500 vehicles use Highway 1 in this area, daily.
- About 5,500 vehicles use Highway 873 in this area, daily.